Thousands of Americans have been advised to avoid drinking coffee and alcohol amid concerns over dangerously hot weather.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued heat related alerts for parts of 13 states on Tuesday, with temperatures forecast to potentially reach 114 degrees Fahrenheit in parts.
Why It Matters
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), extreme heat can trigger heat-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations such as older adults, young children, and those with certain medical conditions.
Symptoms may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, dizziness, and nausea. The CDC notes that extreme heat contributes to more than 700 deaths annually across the U.S.
Rising temperatures can also worsen ground-level ozone pollution, potentially compounding existing health risks.
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What To Know
The NWS has issued extreme heat warnings across parts of Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington on Tuesday.
High temperatures up to 114F are possible for Las Vegas, as well as the Lake Mead area, the NWS said.
In Arizona, parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area could see temperatures hit 112F, as could the Coachella Valley and San Diego County Deserts in California, according to the agency.
Temperatures may also cross the triple-digit threshold in Oregon and Washington, the NWS said.
“An extreme heat warning means that a period of very hot temperatures, even by local standards, will occur,” the agency said in its alert. “Actions should be taken to lessen the impact of the extreme heat.”
The NWS advised people in affected regions to seek cooler locations, avoid outdoor activity, and wear lightweight clothes. The NWS office in Medford, Oregon, also recommended avoiding both alcohol and caffeine.
Less severe heat advisories have also been issued in Idaho, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
Heat index values — an indicator of how hot it feels when considering temperature and humidity — are forecast to be in the 90s and 100s in these states.
What People Are Saying
NWS Phoenix said on X, Monday:”The hot conditions will persist into the middle part of the week with lower desert highs between 108-114°F. As moisture increases later this week, a cooling trend will commence with temperatures dropping back into the normal range by Friday.”
NWS Portland, Oregon, said on X, Monday: “Hot daytime temperatures continue across much of NW Oregon and SW Washington today and tomorrow with higher overnight temperatures tonight not providing much relief, especially for those without access to air conditioning.”
What Happens Next
The extreme heat warnings are currently set to continue until late Tuesday evening or into Wednesday.
The NWS issues regular forecast updates on its website.